We publish a Parish Magazine 4 times a year and in each Magazine there is a letter from the ministry team; here is the Summer 2008 letter - the last one from Jonathan Smith, before he resigned as the Vicar at St John's to become the Archdeacon of St Albans:
The legendary Frank Sinatra is reputed to have ended his final farewell appearance by singing softly "excuse me while I disappear" before vanishing behind the stage curtain. Now it is my turn to do something similar as I write my last 'from the Vicar' piece for the St John's Magazine.
In the summer I shall be relinquishing my position as Vicar of St John's to take up the appointment of Archdeacon of St Albans.
A lot of people have asked me 'what is an Archdeacon?' or 'what does an Archdeacon do?' The best answer is probably to say 'ask me in a year's time when I shall have some more idea'. Put simply, an Archdeacon is a member of the Bishop's Senior Staff who is responsible for the good order of parishes and certain chaplaincies and sector ministries within the area of the Archdeaconry which for me will be West Hertfordshire. The Archdeacon is concerned with mission and ministry and particularly with the pastoral care of clergy and lay ministers. An Archdeacon also ensures that the legal framework within which the church operates is properly observed.
However, all this is in the future. For now I look back with thankfulness to Almighty God for having been called to serve in this great parish of Harpenden St John. One of the great privileges of being a parish priest is being invited to be alongside people in the most significant times of their lives; times both of enormous joy and sorrow. Never, for one second, have I forgotten what a huge trust is placed in a priest in the ministry of conducting a baptism, wedding or funeral service. I pray that my ministry at these hugely important times in people's lives has mediated something of the love and grace and power of God as shown in the life of His Son, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. A priest can ask for no more for his ministry.
As I look back over my time in Harpenden, eleven and a quarter years by the time I leave, there is a kaleidoscope of events, challenges and accomplishments whirring before the memory's eye. I have been enormously blessed in the colleagues with whom I have shared this time; for all the people whose contribution makes St John's the place it is and to them I offer my sincere thanks. Particularly, I have rejoiced in the close ecumenical relationships especially with friends at Southdown Methodist Church. God will continue to bless and sustain his church in this place. His purposes exceed all we can desire and hope for; all we are asked to do is be faithful to his loving and gracious will.
And as for me ... "excuse me while I disappear"!
May the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ bless, preserve and keep you always.
